Photoengraving equipment



May 17, 1938.

s. B. ANSON PHOTOENGRAVING EQUIPMENT Filed April 10, 193'? 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

Samuel 30/1502? 1938- s. B, ANSON PHOTOENGRAVING EQUIPMENT Filed April 10, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Sawae/ F. dflaafl If ATTOR Patented May 17, 1938 PATENT OFFICE PHOTOENGRAVING EQUIPLIENT Samuel BLAnson, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, assignor to The Cleveland Shopping News Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application April 10, 1937, Serial No. 136,147

7 Claims.

In photo-engraving, it is customary to take off a photograph of the subject matter to be reduced to an engraving form, such photograph being on a suitable carrier, e. g-. as film, and thence the 5 exposed film has to be developed and fixed in a.

dark room, which, in the customary photo-engraving plant has the very serious objection of occupying too much valuable space and precluding proper ventilation and light which are so essential. Furthermore, excessive refined technical control is necessary on the part of operators in particularly careful manipulation and timing of operations throughout, and even under the best conditions there are mistakes and losses and requirement of duplication of effort. In accordance with the present invention however, it now becomes possibleto carry out the important and critical steps of operation, with control automatic to whatever extent it is desired, and with elimination of excessive technical supervision, and at the same time the plant space is not overdrawn upon and ventilation and lighting handicapped by the very large dark rooms heretofore required.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawings:--

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a horizontal section taken on a plane substantially indicated by line H-II, Fig. 1; Fig. 2a is an elevational' view, slightly enlarged, showingadetailofcammeans;Fig.3isa viewanalogomtol'lg. 1, showingamodiflcation; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional detail taken on a plane substantially indicated by line VI-VI, Fig. 3; andHg. 5 is a perspective detail ofstructure shown in Pig. 4.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is shown vim' t of a character including a copy-hailing board 2, whmem-hnldingfacemayhueanydaimdm" usml meam fuchmpng the copy sheets, as a framim, cover glas, thumb tads, eta, detail of whichneednotbeshowmandinlinewiththe cow-ladder k m a lens systunlandalmlderlforthesmsitimdelemcnt to be mad, tlrk being shown as a fllmirunnlngfnlnthestockmll iplstthefeeding mechanism 7 whose detail need not be elaborated, and a cutter 8 which may be of any desired form, as for instance a small sharpened disc wheel movable in transverse sweep across the film in the manner generally well known, as controlled by an operating push and pull handle projecting through the outside of the light-proof casing 9. It will be understood also that the customary photo-engravers graining-screen may be em ployed before the sensitized element, where desired in association. To receive the sensitized element as discharged from the holder 4 after it has been exposed, controlled means follow for the further stages of treatment. The holder 4 may discharge by any suitable means, as for instance a. handle in reach of the operator, and while not necessary in all cases, generally it is desirable to have a conveyor to take the exposed sensitized element so discharged, into the developing tank. Such conveyor for instance may involve lower and upper aprons H, I2, leading into the developing tank [3. In the latter, there is means for agitatively supporting the exposed sensitized element, and finally discharging it in controlled or timed relation into the next tank, which generally would contain a stopping solution for checking action on the sensitized surface, although in some instances the stopping solution is not necessary, and the next bath may be a fixing solution. For the operation of the agitation and discharge aforementioned, a suitable mechanlsm is applied, as for instance a perforated plate [4 which is carried by over-reaching bracket means 15 extending up and laterally from a stem it which is operated by a cam I! carried by shaft II which is driven to a suitable reduction gearing by motor IS. The shape of the cam, as seen from Fig. 2a is such as to present an undulatory periphery causing'a slight jogging motion up and down, and then finally the cam rise pushes the stem Ii upwardly to such. an extent as to carry the bracket means i5 and the plate ll which is hinged thereto (at one side of centerline) up against the projection 20, which being stafionary causestheplate M totiltupatsuchaslopeasto the element down into the next tank 2!. Here again, there is equipment including a agitative perforated suppottp'late Ila, carriedbybradetmeans I50 (Ii stem Ito andoperatedbvy cam IIaontheshaft ll. Intm'mthistanktothenexttank hereagainthereisan z tativesimporteqmpaperfmtedphte llbeanied lu' thehacketnnmlibmstem libwhkhisoper- I through which operation within may be observed by the operator outside, there being no obstruction of the space and ventilation in the photoengraving room. As a particular advantageous result from the equipment described, the mechanism provides an exact time control automatically on the respective treating stages for the exposed film. Thus, the operator having set his copy on the copy-board 2 and adjusted his focus and having fed into position the sensitized element to be exposed, this, for purpose of illustration, being a stripping film held by the holder 4 in position, the exposure is made by the control shutter by the operator as usual, and then the operator draws out the cutter handle and returns it thereby severing the portion which has been exposed. On then manipulating the holder-handle 30, the holder 4 discharges the exposed sensitized element. In the discharge movement of the holder, a starter switch S which may be conveniently arranged in the path of the moving holder, starts the electric motor! 9, which through driving connections whose detail is immaterial here and need not be shown, operates the pick-up conveyor H, l2, and starts the operation of the tank equipment i4 etc. by the cam H, the sensitized exposed element being almost instantaneously transferred into the development tank l3. By the operation of the cam 51, as aforeseen, the exposed element is agitated in the bath, and. then with the final sweep of the cam in its rise portion the exposed element is discharged over into the next tank 2!. Here the cam Na in its timed relation similarly provides agitation and final discharge into the tank 22, where again the suitably apportioned earn it! provides agitation and finally discharging into the washing tank 23. By electric switch 3| in the path of a lug 32 on the stem i611, the motor is stopped, the cycle having been completed, and all is in readiness for the repetition which will be initiated by the operator in discharging a newly exposed sensitized surface from the holder 4, as described. The solutions, as for instance the indicated series of developer, stopping bath, and fixing bath may be of such strength and the timing of such gradation, the temperature factors of course being taken care of as usual, that a very rapid runthrough may be had, and each particular'stage may have its own fixed timing as controlled by the timing cams, and for example a developing time of 90 seconds may be apportioned for tank IS, a stopping time of 30 seconds for tank 2|, and a fixing time of 120 seconds for tank 22, as controlled by the apportioned cams l'l, Ila, I'Ib, respectively. Obviously also, if preferred, hand controlled switch operation of the motor 19 will allow the operator to manipulate each bath with its own start and stop if such would be desired, and with the motor I9 of D. C. wiring on D. C. current supply, rheostat and control may also be applied to vary the timing through the motor, by slowing or speeding faster than the aboverequired rate, suchrheostat equipment and speed aimave rate control of motors being so well known as to require no detail here.

Still more refined individual selective control may be had, or a complete automatic operation as preferred, withequiprnent as illustrated in Fig. 3, wherein the copy-"holder may be as a ioredescribed, and likewise the lens system 3, focusing bellows 4 and housing portion 9. sensitized element supply means, as rolls (in, 6b, 60, may be employed, illustratively with stripping film of different widths which may be desired, and the feed down roller means and cutter knife rod 8 and a holder i being of any usual or preferred construction. The conveyor Ha, 52a may be arranged to pick up-the severed sensitized element, a guide 35 being interposed if desired. Again, a series of tanks the, Eta, 22a, 23a, receive the exposed sensitized element in succession, the respective tank equipment including agitative support means involving perforated plates 44, 0, Mb, respectively, carried by bracket means 45, a, 451), respectively on the stems 46, 46a, 46b, respectively, like in the construction described foregoing. Operating cams for the agitative support elements may involve cams M, 41a, 41b, and coacting with the periphery of these are rollerequipped lever arms 68, 48a, 481), respectively, pivoted at 49, 49a, 491), respectively and having the other arm 50, 50a, 501), respectively, of the bell crank engaging by a pin and slot connection 5i, Ella, 5lb, respectively, with the stems 46, 46a, 1). The cams are provided with an undulatory periphery, to occasion the slight jogging up and down movement of the sensitized element in the bath, and each cam is further provided with a depression 52 which occasions the inward-swin of the arms 48 etc. of the-bell crank levers, and thereby causing the springs 54 to raise the stems 56 etc. at the appropriate time and discharge into the next tank.

In the operation of this form of the apparatus, the copy having been placed on the copy-board 2 and the adjustments having been made for the exposure and the sensitized surface having been put in position in its holder 4, the operator makes the exposure by his shutter control, and then cuts the exposed sensitized element and manipulates the handle 30 to open the swing-holder 4. Thereupon, the holder 4 operates the starter switch S, which in turn actuates the magnetic switch 60, thereby starting the motor M which operates the conveyor Ha, Me. In association and operated by this motor, and for instance on the conveyor or one of the gearing elements in connection therewith, a projection 62 is arranged so as to engage the switch 3 and, through the magnetic switch 64 start the motor M which operates the equipment of the tank l3a. With the movement of the cam 41 as driven by this motor, through suitable reduction gearing, a switch 65 is actuated by a suitable lateral projection from the cam, and through the magnetic switch 60 thereby stops the conveyor motor M. With the further travel of the cam 41, the exposed element in the bath l3a having been agitated as provided, the cam and spring 54 finally discharges the sensitized element by raising the stem 46 and supportplate 44 such that the forward edge of the latter engages the projection 20a on the next tank II, and the pivoting of the plate 44 being off center, tilting is occasioned such as to slide the sensitized element down into the bath 2|. In the raise o! the stem 46 for such discharge, a projection 61 engages a switch 68 which starts the next motor M through the magnetic switch 69. The cam' 41, by a lateral projection operates a switch 10 which, through the magnetic switch 64 stops the preceding motor M. Running its cycle, the cam "a agitates the sensitized element in the bath 2| and finally the stem 46a is raised to discharge such element into, the next bath 22. In its raise, the stem 46a, by a lateral projection -I2 operates switch 13 which, through magnetic thereon actuates switch I9 which, through magnetic switch I4 stops the motor M The system is in a condition to have received new increments of exposed sensitized elements at any time after the cycle for the second bath was completed. A closer sequence of operation and over-lapping order isthus possible, and enormous throughput, without in anywise interfering with the proper cycle for each stage of treatment. If the motors M, M, M, M be single phase motors with alternating current supply, a complete automatic exact timing may be had for the whole treatment. By employment of D. C. motors, with control rheostats 80 however, a superposed individual control of the respective stages may be had also where desired. Thus, while the system may be set primarily for say cycles involving 90 seconds, 30

seconds, and 120 seconds in the respective first.

three baths, by manipulation of the control rheostats 80, the timing in any bath may be shortened or extended as may be desired. Full automatic control, and individualized manual-control may be had as well, in any given instance.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the following claims, or the equivalent of such, be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:-

1. In apparatus of the character described, a photo-engravers copy-holder, lens system and grain screen, means for holding a sensitized element in exposure therebefore, an electric starter switch operated by discharge movement of the sensitized element holder, a motor and conveyor controlled by said switch, a developing tank for receiving said exposed sensitized element from the conveyor, a perforated plate to agitatively support the exposed element in the developing tank and finally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said perforated plate, a switch controlled by said conveyor motor equipment for starting the developing tank motor, a switch controlled by said developing tank equipment for shutting oif said conveyor motor, a tank to receive the exposed element from the developing tank, a perforated plate to agitatively support theexposedelementinthestwp tankand finally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said stopping tank perforated plate, a switch controlled by said developing tank equipment for startingsaid stoppingtankmotonaswitch controlled by said stopping tank t for shutting off the develop tank motor, a fixing tanktoreoeivetheexposedelemmtfrmnthe stoppingtankaperfontedplatetolsitathely support the exposed element in the fixing tank, and finally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said fixing tank perforated plate, a switch controlled by said stopping tank equipment for starting said fixing tank motor, a switch controlled by said fixing tank equipment for shutting off said stopping tank motor, a wash tank to receive the exposed element from said fixing tank, a switch-controlled by said fixing tank equipment for shutting off the fixing tank motor, light-excluding cabinet housing about said' means for holding the sensitive element and said developing, stopping and fixing tanks, and sight glass means for observation from the outside.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a photo-engravers copy-holder, lens system and grain screen, means for holding a sensitized element in exposure therebefore, an electric starter switch operated by discharge movement of the sensitized element holder, a developing tank for receiving said exposed sensitized element, a perforated plate to agitatively support the exposed element in the developing tank and finally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said developing tank perforated plate, a switch for starting the developing tank motor, a switch controlled by said developing tank equipment for shutting off said conveyor motor, a stopping tank to receive the exposed element from the developing tank, a perforated plate to agitatively support the exposed element in the stopping tank and finally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said stopping tank perforated plate, a switch controlled by said developing tank equipvment for starting said stopping tank motor, a

and finally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said fixing tank perforated plate, a switch controlled by said stopping tank equipment for starting said fixing tank motor, a switch controlled by said fixing tank equipment for shutting oif said stopping tank motor, a wash tank to receive the exposed element from said fixing tank, a switch controlled by said fixing tank equipment for shutting off the fixing tank motor, light-excluding cabinet housing about said means for holding the sensitive element and said developing, stopping and fixing tanks, and sight glass means for observation from the outside.

3. In apparatus of the: character described, a photo-engravers copy-holder, lens system and grain screen, means for holding a element in exposure therebefore, an electric starter switch operated by discharge movement of the sensitized element holder, a of tanks for receiving the exposed sensitized element in sucoesiomeachtankhnvingaperforatedplate to agitatively support the exposed ekment and' LInappantmofflncharnete-rma photo-engraver: m-Mdenm'nstunand grain screen, means for holding a sensitized element in exposure therebefore, an electric starter switch operated by discharge movement of the sensitized element holder, a series of tanks for receiving the exposed sensitized element in succession, each tank having a perforated plate to agitatively support the exposed element and iinally discharge it therefrom, a motor for operating said perforated plate, means for automatically starting each motor for a controlled cycle run, means for stopping each motor at the end of its cycle, light-excluding cabinet housing about said means for holding the sensitive elements and tanks, and sight glass means for observation from the outside.

5. In apparatus of the character described, a photo-engravers copy holder, lens system and grain screen, means for holding a sensitized element in exposure therebefore, a series of baths to receive the exposed sensitized element in succession therethrough, agitative support means for the sensitized element in each bath and then discharging it into the next bath, a cam for operating and timing each said agitating support element, a common motor drive for all of the cams, light-excluding cabinet housing about said means for holding the sensitized elements in said baths, and sight glass means for observation from the outside.

6. In apparatus of the character described, a photo-engravers copy-holder and iens system,

means for holding a sensitized element in exposure therebefore, a series of baths to receive the exposed sensitized element in succession therethrough, means for supporting the sensitized element in respective baths, means for discharging the sensitized element in connection with at least the first two baths, means for operating the support and discharge means for the respective baths, means for automatically timing the sensitized element through the respective baths, mandaily-controlled means for super-controlling the timing in any desired bath, and light-excluding cabinet housing about said means for holding the sensitized elements in said baths.

'7. In apparatus of the character described, a photo-engravers copy-holder and lens system, means for holding a sensitized element in exposure therebefore, a series of baths to receive the exposed sensitized element in succession therethrough, meansfor supporting the sensitized element in respective baths, means for discharging the sensitized element in connection with at least the first two baths, means for operating the support and discharge means for the respective baths, means for automatically timing the sensitized element through the respective baths, and light-excluding cabinet housing about said means for holding the sensitized elements in said baths.

SAMUEL B. ANSON. 

